By Heather (Wilson) Schlitz
Established in 1977, Wheelsports Inc., the dealership located in Reynoldsburg, Ohio, was operated by the Wilson family, most recently as a KTM and Husqvarna dealership, along with Stihl and Cub Cadet outdoor power equipment. But with the bittersweet decision to retire, Wheelsports has sold its franchises to Lancaster Sport Cycles in neighboring Carroll, Ohio.
“Bill Kottyan and myself would like to thank Wally, Craig and Debbie for the opportunity to purchase the KTM and Husqvarna franchises and continue the strong heritage of Wheelsports,” said Tim Shephard, owner of Lancaster Sport Cycles. “We wish Wally, Debbie and Craig the best in their next chapter of life. Lancaster Sport Cycles is honored and excited to add the KTM and Husqvarna franchises to our portfolio.”
Throughout 48 years of business, the Wilson family has powered through ever-changing times: years of growth, economic crashes and everything in between. They’ve also built decades of valued relationships with customers and collected many memories. Now, Wheelsports will close its doors as the Wilson family launches into a new adventure: retirement.
When brothers Craig and Wally Wilson established Wheelsports as a Husqvarna dealership in 1977, they enjoyed racing on the weekend, took Monday off and were back in the dealership on Tuesday. Though the dealership started in Pataskala, Ohio, it moved to its current location in Reynoldsburg, Ohio, in 1980. The dealership then added KTM to its lineup in 1985.
Wally’s wife, Debbie, supported in the background for many years before joining the team full time in 2005. She also brought along the beloved “dealership dogs,” who quickly became customer favorites. Though always a small team, many years included additional staff beyond the Wilsons.
“We borrowed some money from our dad and started the business when I was just 19,” said Wally Wilson. “We paid him back in just a couple years. The business grew as I was racing for Team Husqvarna in the 80s. I never expected it to be a lifelong deal, but it turned out to be.”
The brothers recalled how they thought it would help ease the expense of their racing habits. “We thought it would be cheaper in the long run for our racing,” said Craig Wilson. “I worked in the Columbus [Ohio] warehouse for Husqvarna Motorcycles at the time, and Wally was racing a lot. [AMA Hall of Famer] Dick Burleson would complain to me about Wally’s critiques of the motorcycle. But, it wasn’t long after that, Dick convinced Wally to switch from racing motocross to off-road.”
The dealership has won numerous accolades, including Outstanding Performance in Customer Relations in 1988 from-then KTM President Rod Bush, KTM’s Best Showroom in North America in 2006 and many more over the years.
“Growing up with my dad racing enduros, it felt like a natural transition to step into the dealership lifestyle alongside Wally,” said Debbie Wilson. “With my background in accounting, I started by handling the bookkeeping but quickly found myself learning how to look up parts and help customers at the counter. I also spent a lot of time designing the showroom displays and marketing the business. When you’re part of a small team, you do a bit of everything. I especially enjoyed the relationships we built with customers, both in the dealership and at the races.”
The family noted how they’ve sold motorcycles to three generations of riders and were even able to buy back the very first bike they sold: a 1976 Husqvarna 250WR.
“We’ve made many friends who I’ll miss seeing in the dealership,” Wally said. “But it’s time. I’m looking forward to spending more time camping and maintaining trails at Hocking Valley Motorcycle Club.”
Craig retired in 2015, and now Debbie and Wally will join him in that chapter of life.
